Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B71/0669—Score-keepers or score display devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B71/0669—Score-keepers or score display devices
  • A63B71/0672—Score-keepers or score display devices using non-electronic means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
  • A63B2102/32—Golf

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic markings made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby a game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard after the game into a reader which is at least m data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the markings made on the scorecard during the game and for further determining the game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard.
• the scoring m golf proceeds such that, e.g. in a two-player game, the golfers cross-mark two scorecards by writing down numerically the stroke score achieved on each hole.
• the cards of a player and a score keeper are compared for checking that the strokes scored on each player's card match each other. This is usually followed by performing a manual summing for the total number of strokes by adding together from the scorecard the stroke scores on a hole-by-hole basis, which is further followed by performing the calculation of a game score, which is determined by applying bonus points or the like, depending on a type of play, such as match play, stroke play or the like, and a personal handicap.
• the above processes can be performed by using a computer present on a golf course, which always requires the input of each note recorded on a scorecard during a round of golf, and of course personal and/or game-related information as well, regarding particularly a personal handicap and a type of golf game that has been played, e.g. for the calculation and printing of a final game score.
• the input of information into a database is always a slow and laborious process with an abundance of single pieces of information to be keyed in.
• the scorecard must be delive- red e.g. to the secretary of one's own golf club who is forced to perform the same manual or computer- assisted procedures as described above for working out a personal handicap in order to securely record the new personal handicap further in the club's register of players.
• a method of the invention is principally characterized in that the process of filling out a scorecard includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark-in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid or the like present on the scorecard.
• HCP accurate handicap
• One of the major benefits gained by a method of the invention is its user-friendliness, particularly in terms of playing convenience, which improves remarkably from what it is at present. This is particularly by virtue of the fact that, first of all, there is no need to carry out tedious post-game summation proceedu- res and then even more inconvenient final calculations, e.g. for working out a final game score or a personal handicap score. On the other hand, by virtue of the method, there is no need either, e.g. when using optical readers, to feed in a single piece of information manually but, instead, the data processing unit is capable of performing necessary calculations on the basis of just reading the scorecard.
• a golfer will be able to spend his or her time more efficiently, e.g. for more sociable after-game activities. Furthermore, in this conjunction, there will be no queuing e.g. to the computer, as it is possible to have the scorecard read very quickly and reliably e.g. by means of a reader based on a matrix camera, in addition to which the false interpretations of entries can also be readily eliminated when applying the method.
• the invention relates also to a scorecard for implementing the above method, said scorecard being defined more precisely in the preamble section of an independent claim directed thereto.
• the features essentially characteristic for the scorecard are set forth in the characterizing clause of the same claim.
• a scorecard of the invention The most important benefits gained by a scorecard of the invention include its convenience in use, it being possible for a player to record in an extremely simple and reliable fashion, e.g. by crossing off or cross- marking, a stroke score obtained on each hole and, more importantly, to mark even beforehand his or her personal handicap in an HCP handicap grid present on the scorecard.
• there will be no problems e.g. in terms of illegible entries, which are always a problem in the interpretation of graphic notes.
• the use of a pre-printed and/or partially filled grid makes it possible to perform extremely reliably and quickly the recording and reading of also personal and game-specific information e.g. by means of a reader based on a matrix camera.
• the scorecard is further adapted to be usable in such a way that, on the one hand, the scorecard is provided e.g. with a plastic-based manufacturing/coating material and, on the other hand, the entries are made with a recording implement producing an erasable mark.
• each golf course may order mechanically resistant, reusable scorecards, which can be "zeroed" after each game for recycling.
• Preferred embodiments for a scorecard of the invention are set forth in the non-independent claims directed to a scorecard.
• fig. 1 shows one preferred scorecard useful in a method of the invention
• fig. 2 shows a score printout outputted with a logic consistent with the scorecard for a stroke play
• fig. 3 shows further a score calculation alternative to fig. 2, especially for a stableford play.
• the invention relates to a method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard T on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic notes made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby the game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard T after the game into a reader which is at least in data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the notes made on the scorecard T during the game and for further determining a game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard T.
• the process of filling the scorecard T includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark-in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid 1 or the like present on the scorecard T.
• HCP accurate handicap
• the post- calculation of a scorecard and the output of a score calculation or printout be carried out directly from the scorecard, e.g. by means of a picture taken with a matrix camera.
• the HCP handicap grid has its top line intended for tens, the next for ones, and the bottom line for decimals. Furthermore, the columns are numbered from zero to nine.
• a player's handicap 18,4 is marked on the scorecard T basically as shown in fig. 2.
• the scorecard T to be filled in compliance with the above principle is functionally completely compatible with automatic imaging, since the reading and storing thereof in a data processor involves no necessary manual feeding of numbers.
• the above type of scorecard can also be filled in a traditional fashion by recording numbers if, for some reason, a player is not willing to make use of a computer-based operating environment.
• the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap is further recorded in a sign square 3 present on the scorecard T.
• the type of scorecard T depicted in fig. 1 it is possible to apply e.g. the principle that, if the sign square 3 carries no crossmark, i.e.
• the square is blank, the HCP recordings of the card has a default value which is negative, i.e. consistent with the most common situation.
• this square is marked and, hence, in the process of reading the scorecard, the calcula- tion program takes into consideration a crossmark in this square and calculates a score with the positive handicap in mind.
• the scorecard T of fig. 1 is also provided with a handicap round square 2 , which can be marked by the player such that the scorecard corresponds to a so-called handicap round which has an impact on the handicap.
• the round is identified as a handicap round by the calculation program, which makes an equivalent entry e.g.
• the scorecard T is marked to indicate lifting of the ball or an unfinished hole in a zero column 0. This facilitates particularly the playing of the most common type of play, i.e. Stableford, which involves the calculation of bogey scores and wherein, in practice, the player nearly always does at least one hole without a score, meaning that he or she has lifted the ball without completing the hole.
• This function is also capable of operating the reader and software of the scorecard T in the most common cases automatically without the player having to input any type of information numerically.
• the reader will then request the relevant piece of information with a perceivable signal, the player having to input such information manually e.g. from the reader keyboard for the calculation of a final score.
• a situation like this may become relevant e.g. when a player has played a hole to a score of more than 19 strokes .
• the number of strokes taken for each hole is recorded in the score grid of the scorecard T by using, if necessary, two entries 5 relating to the same hole.
• the stroke score of a player can be recorded all the way up to 19 strokes in view of automatic reading. Consistent with what is designated by reference numeral 5, a stroke score 13 is thus indicated by means of two crossmarks on the same line.
• This principle is a further contribution to the above-described principle in the sense that it is possible to feed a scorecard into a data processor completely without manual procedures .
• faulty entries in the score grid are corrected by eliminating, e.g.
• the entries present on the scorecard T are identified by means of a reader automatically as described above, such as optically or in a similar fashion, for further performing the machine calculation of a game score by means of a data processor for determining or recording a final score, depending particularly on a type of play, match play, stroke play and/or the like, and/or for outputting the same by means of an outputting unit, such as a printer and/or the like, or for some other similar purpose.
• a completed game there is preferably first printed each player's previous (old) and post-game calculated present (new) personal handicap score in a handicap calculation grid 13 present on a printout, corresponding essentially to the scorecard T in terms of appearance, for maintaining especially a player- specific handicap register up to date.
• a handicap calculation grid 13 present on a printout, corresponding essentially to the scorecard T in terms of appearance, for maintaining especially a player- specific handicap register up to date.
• the invention has its significance in the fact that it is highly important for a player and a club to always know precisely the current handicap of each player.
• the automatic operation of a data processor and a reader enables maintaining the handicap register of a player up to date in real time after each handicap round .
• the entries present on the scorecard T are read by means of a reader, such as a matrix camera or the like, by utilizing, as depicted in fig. 1, essentially a mid- portion 7 of each square, the safety zone surrounding it in each square being ignored. This enables a reliable reading of the scorecard and calculation of final scores in all conditions irrespective of entries possibly extending beyond the square outlines or a wrinkled scorecard.
• the invention relates also to a scorecard, especially for the above purpose, which is characterized by, particularly in reference to the preferred scorecard T depicted in fig. 1, an HCP handicap grid 1 provided thereon and fillable on a mark-in-square principle or the like, which is intended for recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player.
• the scorecard T is further provided with a sign square 3, especially for recording the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap, and/or a handicap round square 2, especially for recording a round of golf having no impact on the handicap, and/or a zero column 0 for recording the lifting of the ball, i.e. the failure to complete a hole, especially in a type of play based on the calculation of bogey points, such as Stableford.
• a sign square 3 especially for recording the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap, and/or a handicap round square 2, especially for recording a round of golf having no impact on the handicap, and/or a zero column 0 for recording the lifting of the ball, i.e. the failure to complete a hole, especially in a type of play based on the calculation of bogey points, such as Stableford.
• a driving tee grid 8 (e.g. in the order of a white, yellow, blue, and red column) , particularly for determining a personal Slope-handicap for a player on the basis of the player's personal handicap, and/or a grid 9 for recording the gender of a player, and/or a stroke column 10 for recording the stroke score of a playing partner and/or a particular player graphically or in a corresponding manner.
• a tee grid shown in fig. 1 with reference numeral 8 constitute a decisive piece of information in terms of determining a player's personal Slope-handicap on the basis of his or her regular handicap.
• the reader is provided with information for effecting the reading and calculation on the basis of course rating and slope numbers.
• course-specific information is fed into the memory of a data processor and/or into the scorecard T, as shown in figs. 2 and 3, prior to the commissioning of such apparatus.
• a player's score is recorded in the scorecard by his or her playing partner or a so-called marker.
• the marker can record his or her own score in this column normally by using numbers.
• the player's score can also be recorded by using ordinary numbers for enhanced visuality.
• the recording can also be handled in accordance with current practice by using manual entries and calculations. This possibility is highly important e.g. for a golf club not having to have two types of scorecard printed, but one and the same scorecard is sufficient for each case. At the same time, those players who need no automatic reader are offered a traditional way of using the scorecard.
• the same is adapted to be recycled, preferably by using a plastic-based or the like manufacturing/coating material in the scorecard and by making the entries with a recording implement producing an erasable mark.
• the player using automatic score keeping is always entitled to receive for his or her disposal a printout, which is why the reader is connected e.g. to an ordinary printer.
• the scores obtained by a player during a round are outputted on a printout e.g. exactly like the one shown in figs. 2 and 3.
• two extreme right-hand columns 11 are modified to serve in a player's score keeping by displaying the number of strokes per hole if the hole has been completed, as well as, respectively, the stableford points for the hole.
• These scores are also added together after the first nine holes and displayed in the printout on a separate line.
• This score service is highly essential if the player wishes to record his or her stroke score e.g. in the club's database in order to monitor the hole-by-hole development of his or her game during and after a season.
• the score calculation always includes a display of stableford points received by a player, which, e.g. according to the handicap regulations of Finnish Golf Association, constitute a critical piece of information regarding the reassessment of a handicap.
• the score calculation preferably always discloses also a date for a player's round of golf, e.g. m a space 14, which is an important piece of information m many instances, especially regarding the change of a handicap.
• a golfer plays e.g. on a course away from home, the home club must be supplied with information about a completed handicap round or competition as soon as possible.
• the calendar and clock included m the computer function also as database organizers.
• the completed rounds set m such a chronological order facilitate scanning of the database.
• the data processor is set up m such a way that it enables e.g. the upkeep of a club's register for playing members.
• the computer's database when a player wishes to record the score of a completed round m the computer's database, he or she uses his or her membership number or a magnetic card for identification. Hence, the information is recorded m the possession of him- or herself and the club for subsequent use.
• the printout will also reveal a player's name m a space 15 for the immediate observation of false strokes. At the same time, the printout serves both the player and the club as a paper copy. Further according to fig. 2, the score calculation will also show m the stroke play printout a total number of strokes m a space 16.
• the data processor linked with the reader has determined a net score corrected with the Slope- handicap of a player, which is at this point also printed m the same space.
• the score for a player on the first nine and the back nine holes can be printed separately, as shown. Furthermore, the hole-' specific scores obtained during a stroke play competition and an ordinary stroke play round can also be printed separately in a column reserved therefor on the printout in the space 16.
• the reading unit be comprised of one or more separate readers which are connectable in a wireless or wired manner to a given data processor presently in use, but of course, in addition to infrared-connected systems, it is also possible to use radio-frequency operated data transmission systems in the communication between a reader and a data processor.
• the process of the invention eliminates considerably a risk of necessary queuing, but naturally it is possible to link e.g. a plurality of readers to a common computer, e.g. in view of competition events.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

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Citations (8)

• 1999
  • 1999-03-19 FI FI990618A patent/FI990618A/fi unknown
  • 1999-07-02 WO PCT/FI1999/000590 patent/WO2000009220A1/en active Application Filing
  • 1999-07-02 AU AU50401/99A patent/AU5040199A/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (8)

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